So much for the buildup. The NFL season kicks off with NFC South rivals the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons going head to head. This is always a big game no matter the time of the season and that won't be any different this time around with the winner gaining an early psychological edge to start the season. The Falcons, the defending NFC South champs, are coming off an extremely successful season in which they fell just shy of the Super Bowl. The Saints, meanwhile, are celebrating the return of coach Sean Payton, who missed all of last season while serving a suspension by the NFL for his part in the Saints' bounty program.

FALCONS OFFENSE

So how do you make an explosive offense even more dangerous? You add another explosive piece to the equation. That is exactly what the Falcons did, bringing in veteran running back Steven Jackson to replace Michael Turner. That should make things even easier for quarterback Matt Ryan and his trio of outstanding receiving targets in Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. This is the year many predict Jones will step into the role of elite NFL receiver. White has been nursing an ankle injury but is expected to play Sunday.

FALCONS DEFENSE

If there is one area that could hold the Falcons back it would be defense, which is where they did not make the necessary significant improvement. They brought in pass rusher Osi Umenyiora but there is a lot of doubt they he will be a better edge rusher than John Abraham, who the team let go in free agency. The secondary is still a question mark even though veteran cornerback Asante Samuel returns along with safeties William Moore and Thomas DeCoud. The other corner slot is the biggest question mark where rookies Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford, who played at Southeastern Louisiana, are competing.

FALCONS SPECIAL TEAMS

The Falcons could have some special teams concerns that could create some shuffling if kicker Matt Bryant isn't ready to go Sunday. Bryant has been battling back issues, which has forced the Falcons to begin the practice week with punter Matt Bosher kicking field goals. If Bosher, the normal holder on field goals in extra points, moves to kicker then quarterback Matt Ryan will assume the holding duties. But Falcons coach Mike Smith said he expects Bryant to be ready to go.

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

Nov. 29, 2012, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

The Atlanta Falcons jumped out to a 17-0 lead and then let their defense lead them the rest of the way en route to a 23-13 win that propelled them a step closer to securing the NFC South title and all but closed the door on the Saints' slim playoff hopes. Atlanta's defense intercepted Drew Brees five times and stopped his NFL-record touchdown passes for consecutive games at 54.